Comparison FeiYu Tech AK2000 vs Gudsen MOZA AirCross

The maximum weight that the steadicam is designed to carry.

In fact, this is the maximum weight of the camera with all accessories allowed for this model.

The range of forward-backward tilt angles relative to the vertical position supported by the steadicam.

It can be written in different ways.

The simplest option is when one angle value is indicated in the characteristics. This may mean that the camera is able to deviate from the neutral position in both directions by the same angle, which is half the range.

Another recording option is used when the angles of inclination forward and backward are not the same. In such cases, the horizontal position of the camera on a vertical steadicam is taken as zero, the “—” sign indicates the maximum angle of camera deflection back, lens up, the “+” sign — forward, lens down.

The maximum controlled speed supported by the steadicam is, in fact, the highest speed of rotation of the camera along one axis or another, provided by the device. This is the maximum rotation speed of the entire structure, at which the steadicam automation is able to provide effective stabilization along the corresponding axis (that is, keep the camera stationary).

This item is directly related to the scope — for shooting while hiking or cycling on flat terrain, a high stabilization speed is hardly necessary, but during surfing, acrobatic aerobatics and other similar activities, the “slow” steadicam often turns out to be ineffective.

— Time Lapse. The ability to use a steadicam for shooting video in Time-Lapse mode. In this mode, shooting is carried out at a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes), due to which the effect of fast movement is achieved in the finished video (for example, a day from sunrise to sunset can fit in several minutes). However, this is the general principle of Time Lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different.

— Selfie shooting. The presence in the steadicam of a separate mode for shooting selfies (self-portraits).

— Sports mode. Allows you to use the steadicam when shooting in extreme conditions, on the go and even while running. If you turn on the sport mode, the stabilizer begins to compensate for even deep and sharp frame deviations. Of course, an increase in the potential of the stabilizer affects the charge of the battery pack — the sport mode significantly speeds up the process of discharging the battery.

— Autopanorama. The presence of the mode of automatic shooting of panoramas in the design of the steadicam. In this mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates, taking a series of shots, from which the finished panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas, but it can...also provide the movement of the camera vertically.

— Fixing the position of the camera. The ability to fix the position of the camera mounted on the steadicam. Fixation means such a mode of operation in which the camera remains constantly directed in the same direction, regardless of the position of the steadicam itself.

— Axle lock. The presence of an axis lock in the design of the steadicam — in such a way that when turning along this axis, the camera will clearly follow the movement of the stand. Such an opportunity is necessary in cases where there is a need for precise and operational control over the movement of the camera.

— Tracking mode. The presence of an automatic tracking mode in the steadicam. In accordance with the name, in this mode the device automatically follows a certain object, turning the camera so that this object is constantly in the centre of the image, or at least in the frame. In this case, the subject for tracking can be set by the operator himself.

— Inversion mode. The presence of the inversion mode in the design of the steadicam. This function, as the name suggests, allows you to turn the device upside down, keeping all its functions and the position of the camera.

— The control wheel allows you to speed up and simplify the setting of the steadicam operating modes. The wheel is designed to complement the keypad, but in some cases it can and completely replaces the buttons. Typically, the control wheel is used to adjust the sensitivity of the gimbal, as well as rotate and lock the camera mounting pad. If the optics are fully compatible with the steadicam, then the control wheel can be used to adjust both focus with zoom and many other shooting parameters.

— Timelapse. Shooting video in Time-Lapse mode involves a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes). In the finished video, the effect of fast movement is achieved (for example, the day from sunrise to sunset fits in just a few minutes). However, this is the general principle of Time Lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different depending on the specific model of the stabilizer.

- Selfie mode. A separate mode for shooting selfies (self-portraits). This function can be implemented in different ways, depending on the purpose of the device. It is aimed at filming himself and the immediate environment of the operator.

- Sports mode. The mode is designed for high-quality shooting of dynamic scenes in motion. In sports mode, the stabilizer automatically compensates for frame deviations from the reference location, while the motor runs at the highest possible speed.

- Autopanorama. In this shooting mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates around its axis, taking a series of shots, from which the finished panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas, however, camera movement in the vertical plane can also be provided.

— Tracking mode. Automatic tracking of a certain object by pointing the camera so that the shooting target is constantly in the center of the image, or at least in the frame. The subject for tracking is set by the steadicam operator.

— Inversion mode.... This mode allows you to turn the fixture upside down, retaining all its functions and camera position. It will come in handy when shooting from atypical angles (for example, from the ground).

Model of the battery used in the Steadicam. This information is not of key importance when choosing: if you wish, knowing the battery model, you can find detailed information about it, however, the key characteristics of the battery are usually given in general information about the steadicam. However, model information can be useful if you plan to purchase an additional battery, or if the household already has a battery and you need to evaluate its compatibility with the device.

The capacity of the battery used in the Steadicam.

Theoretically, a higher capacity allows you to work longer without recharging, but in fact, the battery life of the steadicam also depends on its power consumption. So, only models with similar performance characteristics can be compared with each other according to this indicator; and when choosing, it is better to focus not on the capacity, but on the directly claimed operating time on a charge.

There are two main types of connection in modern steadicams: Wi-Fi(more precisely, Wi-Fi Direct — for direct communication between devices) and Bluetooth. Despite the difference from a technical point of view, in this case, these standards are very similar. First, they are both wireless. Secondly, both are used for direct connection with devices installed on the steadicam — smartphones, action cameras, etc. (for more details, see "Mounting"). Thirdly, the specific functions of such a connection may be different, they should be specified separately for each model; however, such functions usually include at least control over the shooting process (start/pause video recording, capture photos). So the main selection criterion for this indicator is what technology the connected gadget supports — Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Separately, we note that there are steadicams that support both standards at once — these are mainly expensive professional models for cameras (see "Mounting"), where Wi-Fi is used to transfer video to an external screen, and Bluetooth is used for basic remote control.

The presence of a display in the steadicam makes the operation of the device more comfortable and visual. Depending on the specific modification of the steadicam, the screen can perform many functions. Usually, the display shows basic information about the operating modes used, the date and time, as well as the battery level. The most advanced steadicams can display the image from the camera, which allows you to use it as a viewfinder with LiveView mode. At the same time, the screen size on professional steadicams can reach 3″ or more, but the vast majority of models are still equipped with a 0.5″ screen.